TRUE BLOOD's Nelsan Ellis to Play 'Bobby Byrd' in James Brown Biopic GET ON UP

TRUE BLOOD's Nelsan Ellis has officially signed on for the upcoming James Brown biopic GET ON UP, according to Deadline.

Based on the incredible life story of the Godfather of Soul, the film, directed by THE HELP's Tate Taylor, will give a fearless look inside the music, moves and moods of Brown, taking audiences on the journey from his impoverished childhood to his evolution into one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. 42's Chadwick Boseman will star as the legendary Brown.

Ellis will portray Brown's "longtime friend and musical collaborator" Bobby Byrd in the film, which also stars Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer.

Academy Award winner Brian Grazer (A Beautiful Mind, 8 Mile) and Erica Huggins (Flightplan) produce for Imagine Entertainment, with Mick Jagger and Victoria Pearman (Shine a Light) producing under their Jagged Films banner. Under his Wyolah Films label, Taylor also serves as a producer on Get On Up, while Wyolah's John Norris executive produces alongside Trish Hofmann and Peter Afterman.

GET ON UP is set for an October 17, 2014 release.

An award-winning film, TV and stage actor and playwright, Nelsan has appeared Off-Broadway in A Soldier's Play. He earned his BFA from Juilliard in 2004, where he wrote the play Ugly. Nelsan has also appeared on TV in The Inside, Veronica Mars and Without a Trace. His film credits include Lost, Warm Springs, Trespass, The Express, The Soloist, Talent, Secretariat and The Help.